U.S. patent application number 11/920140 was filed with the patent office on 2009-05-28 for ophthalmic laser treatment device.
Invention is credited to Takuya Kataoka.
Application Number | 20090137989 11/920140 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37396574 |
Filed Date | 2009-05-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090137989 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kataoka; Takuya |
May 28, 2009 |
Ophthalmic laser treatment device
Abstract
A light-permeable member (lens 3) is provided to lead laser
beams to an eyeball (2), and a spacer member (refrigerator forming
portion 14) is provided to maintain a predetermined space
(refrigerator chamber 13) between the light-permeable member (lens
3) and the eyeball (2). The eyeball (2) is cooled by introducing a
fluid into the space (refrigerator chamber 13) so as to cool the
eyeball (2) while applying the laser beams to the eyeball (2). The
laser beams of higher intensity is applied with an occurrence of
keratoedema reduced, while at the same time, preventing the
complication which otherwise would be caused due to the heat
generation of the eyeball (2).
Inventors: |
Kataoka; Takuya; (Saitama,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MORGAN LEWIS & BOCKIUS LLP
1111 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20004
US
|
Family ID: |
37396574 |
Appl. No.: |
11/920140 |
Filed: |
May 10, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
May 10, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2006/309377 |
371 Date: |
January 28, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
606/5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2018/00023
20130101; A61F 9/008 20130101; A61F 9/009 20130101; A61F 2009/00891
20130101; A61F 2009/00876 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/5 |
International
Class: |
A61B 18/20 20060101
A61B018/20 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 10, 2005 |
JP |
2005-137416 |
Dec 13, 2005 |
JP |
2005-358812 |
Claims
1. An ophthalmic laser treatment device comprising: a
light-permeable member provided to lead laser beams to an eyeball;
and a spacer member provided to maintain a predetermined space
between said light-permeable member and said eyeball; wherein said
eyeball being cooled by introducing a fluid into said space so that
said fluid comes in direct contact with said eyeball.
2. The ophthalmic laser treatment device according to claim 1,
wherein said spacer is detachably mounted on said light-permeable
member.
3. An ophthalmic laser treatment device comprising: a
light-permeable member provided to be in contact with an eyeball so
as to lead laser beams to said eyeball; and a fluid passage
provided, through which a fluid flows to cool said eyeball; wherein
said fluid passage is located remote from said eyeball.
4. The ophthalmic laser treatment device according to claim 3,
wherein said fluid passage is located inside said light-permeable
member.
5. The ophthalmic laser treatment device according to any of claims
1-4, wherein a transparent partition wall is provided to form a
space between said light-permeable member and a laser oscillator
provided to release said laser beams.
6. The ophthalmic laser treatment device according to claim 3,
wherein a transparent body is provided at one side of said
light-permeable member, said one side being opposite to said
eyeball, and a spacer is provided to form a space between said
light-permeable member and said transparent body; wherein said
fluid passage is provided between said light-permeable member and
said transparent body.
7. The ophthalmic laser treatment device according to claim 6,
wherein said light-permeable member is formed by an elastic film of
flexibility.
8. The ophthalmic laser treatment device according to claim 7,
wherein a fluid-supply member is provided to supply said fluid, and
a control member is provided to functionally control said
fluid-supply member; wherein said control member adjusts a flow of
said fluid so that said light-permeable member conforms its
configuration to a configuration of said eyeball.
9. The ophthalmic laser treatment device according to any of claims
6-8, wherein a transparent partition wall is provided to form a
space between said transparent body and a laser oscillator provided
to release said laser beams.
10. The ophthalmic laser treatment device according to any of
claims 6-9, wherein said spacer and said light-permeable member are
detachably mounted on said transparent body.
11. The ophthalmic laser treatment device according to any of
claims 1-10, wherein a fluid-cooling member is provided to cool
said fluid, and a control member is provided to control said
fluid-cooling member; wherein said fluid-cooling member works to
adjust so that said fluid substantially conforms its temperature to
a target temperature.
12. An ophthalmic laser treatment device comprising: a
light-permeable member provided to be in contact with an eyeball so
as to introduce laser beams to said eyeball; and a Peltier's
coupler mounted on said light-permeable member; wherein said
light-permeable member is cooled by said Peltier's coupler so as to
resultantly cool said eyeball.
13. The ophthalmic laser treatment device according to claim 12,
wherein a reservoir is provided inside said light-permeable member
to contain a fluid, and said Peltier's coupler works to cool said
light-permeable member and said fluid contained inside said
reservoir.
14. The ophthalmic laser treatment device according to claim 12 or
13, wherein a transparent partition wall is provided to form a
space between said light-permeable member and a laser oscillator
provided to release said laser beams.
15. The ophthalmic laser treatment device according to any of
claims 1-14, wherein said light-permeable member is a lens member
to collect said laser beams to bring said laser beams into focus on
said eyeball.
16. The ophthalmic laser treatment device according to any of
claims 1-15, wherein a focusing member is provided to bring the
laser beams into focus on any position of said eyeball by
refracting or reflecting said laser beams incident on said
light-permeable member.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a device used for an ophthalmic
laser treatment by making use of laser beams, and especially
concerns to an ophthalmic laser treatment device used for an laser
iridoctomy.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Upon performing a trans-corneal laser treatment in an
ophthalmology, an cornea-contact type ocular lens has been used, so
that laser beams released from a laser oscillator can reach inside
the eyeball via the ocular lens and cornea in order to draw a
therapeutical effect.
[0003] The laser treatment ocular lens is represented by an
iridoctomy ocular lens as disclosed by Japanese Laid-open Patent
Application No. 63-29639. The ocular lens is such that a
laser-incident side lens and a laser-radiant side lens
(eyeball-contact side lens) are accommodated into a lens holder,
and prevent the outside light from entering inside the eyeball.
When the laser is applied to the ocular lens with the lens placed
on the eyeball, the lens enables an operator to bring the laser
beams into focus on the iris. The focused laser beams increase an
optical energy density so as to perforate the iris due to a heat
generation of the increased optical energy density.
[0004] As mentioned above, the laser iridoctomy accompanies the
heat generation, i.e., a somatic action due to the laser in order
to perforate the iris by repetitively applying the laser beams to
the iris. The laser beams bring the thermal influence on the cornea
upon passing them through the cornea, while at the same time,
bringing thermal effect on the iris and the aqueous humor due to
the heat generation caused by the increased optical energy density
given to the iris.
[0005] The thermal affect on the cornea, the iris and the aqueous
humor often results in the complicated syndrome (complication) such
as high ocular tension, bllous keratopathy and the like. Especially
when the acute glaucoma develops, the complicated syndrome is
likely to accompany due to the keratoedema.
[0006] The prior laser treatment ocular lens makes the lens in
contact with the eyeball, thus blocking the heat accumulated in the
eyeball from being released via the cornea. In order to avoid the
complicated syndrome due to the heat generation, it is necessary to
drop an intensity of the laser. However, the reduced intensity of
the laser defies to draw the necessary therapeutical effect upon
performing the iridoctomy.
[0007] Therefore, it is an object of the invention to overcome the
above drawbacks, and provide an ophthalmic laser treatment device
which is capable of cooling the eyeball to enhance the
therapeutical effect by applying the laser beams of higher
intensity, and using the laser beams with an occurrence of
keratoedema reduced, while at the same time, preventing the
complication due to the heat generation on the eyeball.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
Means of Claim 3
[0008] In the ophthalmic laser treatment device of claim 3, a
light-permeable member is provided to be in contact with an eyeball
so as to lead laser beams to the eyeball. A fluid passage is
provided through which a fluid flows to cool the eyeball. The fluid
passage is located remote from the eyeball.
[0009] The structure is such that the eyeball is cooled through the
light-permeable member which is in contact with the eyeball and
cooled by the fluid. This makes it possible to cool the eyeball
without making the fluid in direct contact with eyeball. This
enables the operator to cool the eyeball without being influenced
by the ingredients and streams of the fluid.
Means of Claim 4
[0010] In the ophthalmic laser treatment device of claim 4, the
fluid passage is located inside the light-permeable member. This
makes it possible for the fluid to efficiently cool the
light-permeable member because the fluid deprives the heat from
inside the light-permeable member.
Means of Claim 5
[0011] In the ophthalmic laser treatment device of claim 5, a
transparent partition wall is provided to form a space between the
light-permeable member and a laser oscillator provided to release
the laser beams.
[0012] With the provision of the transparent partition wall, it is
possible to avoid a dew condensation on the light-permeable member
due to the evaporated vapor in the atmosphere. Under the absence of
dew condensation, it is possible to favorably pass the laser beams
through the light-permeable member without blocking the operator's
visual field upon performing the laser treatment.
Means of Claim 6
[0013] In the ophthalmic laser treatment device of claim 6, a
transparent body is provided at one side of the light-permeable
member, the one side being opposite to the eyeball, and a spacer is
provided to form a space between the light-permeable member and the
transparent body. The fluid passage is provided between the
light-permeable member and the transparent body.
[0014] The structure is such that the fluid cools the
light-permeable member by flowing the fluid over the one side of
the light-permeable member opposite to the eyeball. This obviates
the necessity of machining the light-permeable member to form a
hollow space inside the light-permeable member to serve as a fluid
passage.
Means of Claim 7
[0015] In the ophthalmic laser treatment device of claim 7, the
light-permeable member is formed by an elastic film of
flexibility.
[0016] This enables the operator to attach the light-permeable
member to the eyeball through an elastical contact therebetween,
thus effectuating the light-permeable member which otherwise would
incur injuries on the eyeball due to breakage when accidentally
forcing the light-permeable member.
Means of Claim 8
[0017] In the ophthalmic laser treatment device of claim 8, a
fluid-supply member is provided to supply the fluid, and a control
member is provided to functionally control the fluid-supply member.
The control member adjusts a flow of the fluid so that the
light-permeable member conforms its configuration to a
configuration of the eyeball.
[0018] The structure is such that the control member brings the
corneal contact wall (light-permeable member) snugly in contact
with the eyeball without imposing a considerable burden on the
eyeball.
Means of Claim 9
[0019] In the ophthalmic laser treatment device of claim 9, a
transparent partition wall is provided to form a space between the
transparent body and a laser oscillator provided to release the
laser beams.
[0020] With the provision of the transparent partition wall, it is
possible to avoid a dew condensation on the light-permeable member
due to the vapor evaporated in the atmosphere. Under the absence of
dew condensation, it is possible to favorably permeate the laser
beams through the transparent body without blocking the operator's
visual field upon implementing the laser treatment.
Means of Claim 10
[0021] In the ophthalmic laser treatment device of claim 10, the
spacer and the light-permeable member are detachably mounted on the
transparent body.
[0022] This enables the operator to form the fluid passage between
the light-permeable member and the eyeball upon cooling the
eyeball. Because the spacer and the light-permeable member are
detachably arranged, it becomes possible to throw away the spacer
and the light-permeable member each time after they are used once
or several times, thus securing a good maintenance, high quality
and sanitation preferable as a medical apparatus.
[0023] It is also possible to attach the spacer and the
light-permeable member in various purposes to an existing ocular
lens which is presently used widely to the ophthalmic laser
treatment field.
Means of Claim 11
[0024] In the ophthalmic laser treatment device of claim 11, a
fluid-cooling member is provided to cool the fluid, and a control
member is provided to functionally control the fluid-cooling
member. The fluid-cooling member works to adjust so that the fluid
substantially conforms its temperature to a target temperature.
[0025] This enables the operator to keep an appropriate fluid
temperature which is variably required to cool the eyeball
depending on the different laser-applying time and the cooling
place.
Means of Claim 12
[0026] In the ophthalmic laser treatment device of claim 12, a
light-permeable member is provided to be in contact with an eyeball
so as to introduce the laser beams to the eyeball. A Peltier's
coupler is mounted on the light-permeable member. The
light-permeable member is cooled by the Peltier's coupler so as to
resultantly cool the eyeball.
[0027] This enables the operator to instantly cool the
light-permeable member without using the fluid. The Peltier's
coupler makes the light-permeable member immune to vibrations, as
opposed to the case in which the fluid is used upon cooling the
light-permeable member.
[0028] The Peltier's coupler has a good response to the temperature
change so as to perform the temperature control with a high
precision.
Means of Claim 13
[0029] In the ophthalmic laser treatment device of claim 13, a
reservoir is provided inside the light-permeable member to contain
a fluid, and the Peltier's coupler works to cool the
light-permeable member and the fluid contained inside the
reservoir.
[0030] The fluid produces a convection in the fluid inside the
reservoir to evenly cool the light-permeable member itself,
compared to the case in which only the Peltier's coupler cools the
light-permeable member.
[0031] The reservoir obviates the necessity of providing an inlet
or outlet passage for supplying or exhausting the fluid which are
otherwise required for the light-permeable member to circulate the
fluid. This makes the light-permeable member into a simplified
structure.
Means of Claim 14
[0032] In the ophthalmic laser treatment device of claim 14, a
transparent partition wall is provided to form a space between the
light-permeable member and a laser oscillator provided to release
the laser beams.
[0033] This makes it possible to avoid a dew condensation on the
light-permeable member due to the vapor evaporated in the
atmosphere. Under the absence of dew condensation, it is possible
to favorably pass the laser beams through the transparent body
without blocking the operator's visual field upon performing the
laser treatment.
Means of Claim 15
[0034] In the ophthalmic laser treatment device of claim 15, the
light-permeable member is a lens member to collect the laser beams
to bring the laser beams into focus on the eyeball.
[0035] This enables the operator to bring the laser beams into
focus on desired locations of the eyeball, while at the same time,
enhancing the density level of the laser beams.
Means of Claim 16
[0036] In the ophthalmic laser treatment device of claim 16, a
focusing member is provided to bring the laser beams into focus on
any position of the eyeball by refracting or reflecting the laser
beams incident on the light-permeable member.
[0037] This enables the operator to bring the laser beams into
focus on desired locations of the eyeball, while at the same time,
enhancing the density level of the laser beams.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of an
ophthalmic laser treatment device according to a first embodiment
of the invention;
[0039] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of an
ophthalmic laser treatment device according to a modification form
of the first embodiment of the invention;
[0040] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of an
ophthalmic laser treatment device according to other modification
form of the first embodiment of the invention;
[0041] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an ophthalmic laser
treatment device according to a second embodiment of the invention
but partly sectioned;
[0042] FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of an
ophthalmic laser treatment device according to a third embodiment
of the invention;
[0043] FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of an
ophthalmic laser treatment device according to a fourth embodiment
of the invention;
[0044] FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of an
ophthalmic laser treatment device according to a fifth embodiment
of the invention;
[0045] FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of an
ophthalmic laser treatment device according to a sixth embodiment
of the invention;
[0046] FIG. 9(a) is a longitudinal cross sectional view of an
ophthalmic laser treatment device according to a seventh embodiment
of the invention; and
[0047] FIG. 9(b) is a side elevational view of the ophthalmic laser
treatment device observed from a laser oscillator according to the
seventh embodiment of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF NUMERALS
[0048] 1 ophthalmic laser treatment device [0049] 2 eyeball [0050]
3 lens (light-permeable member, transparent body and focusing
member) [0051] 4 lens holder [0052] 5 partition wall [0053] 10
holder cylinder [0054] 20 tank [0055] 21 pump (fluid-supply member)
[0056] 22 computer (control member) [0057] 30 inner fluid passage
(fluid passage) [0058] 40 outer side fluid passage (fluid passage)
[0059] 50 flow passage [0060] 60 flow passage [0061] 61
cornea-contact wall (light-permeable member) [0062] 62
fluid-passage forming portion (spacer) [0063] 65 refrigerator
device (fluid-cooling member) [0064] 80 Peltier's coupler [0065] 90
reservoir
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0066] According the present invention, an ophthalmic laser
treatment device enables an operator to manipulate laser beams
while cooling an eyeball with an occurrence of keratioedema
substantially reduced. For this purpose, a light-permeable member
is provided to be in contact with an eyeball so as to lead laser
beams to the eyeball. A fluid passage is provided, through which a
fluid flows to cool the eyeball. The fluid passage is located
remote from the eyeball.
First Embodiment of the Invention
Structure of First Embodiment
[0067] Referring to FIG. 1, described is an ophthalmic laser
treatment device 1 according to a first embodiment of the
invention. FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of the ophthalmic laser
treatment device 1 which is placed in contact with an eyeball 2. In
FIG. 1, an up-to-down line from top to bottom accords to a
gravitational direction, and the left side of the drawing is where
a laser oscillator is located. The right side of the drawing is
where the eyeball resides, an upper side is a parietal side and the
lower side is a maxillary side.
[0068] The ophthalmic laser treatment device 1 introduces laser
beams from the laser oscillator to the eyeball 2 of a subject
patient, and having a lens 3 which collects the laser beams and
brings the laser beams into focus on the eyeball 2. In ophthalmic
laser treatment device 1, a lens holder 4 is provided to
structurally support the lens 3. A transparent partition wall 5 is
provided to form a hermetic space in cooperation with the lens 3.
In the first embodiment of the invention, the lens 3 acts as the
light-permeable member which comes in contact with the eyeball 2 to
introduce the laser beams to the eyeball 2.
[0069] The lens 3 is formed into a discus-like configuration from a
transparent material, and having a concave surface side 7 shaped in
accordance with an outer surface of the eyeball 2. The lens 3 has
an incident surface 8 as a convex side portion 9, on which the
laser beams is incident from the laser oscillator. The convex side
portion 9 of the lens 3 projects toward the laser oscillator to
refract the laser beams to bring the laser beams into focus on the
iris in which the laser beams increase its density.
[0070] The lens holder 4, according to the invention, is in the
shape of a cylinder, and having a holder cylinder 10, to an inner
circumferential side of which the lens 3 is hermetically attached.
The lens 3 has a cylindrical portion 11 at one end which opposes
the laser oscillator. The cylindrical portion 11 is diametrically
greater than the lens 3. Between the cylindrical portion 11 and the
holder cylinder 10, a tapered cylinder 12 is provided which
diametrically increases progressively as approaching the
cylindrical portion 11. The holder cylinder 10, the cylindrical
portion 11 and the tapered cylinder 12 are integrally formed to
define the lens holder 4 by means of a synthetic resin.
[0071] In the lens holder 4, a peripheral open end of the holder
cylinder 10 defines the engagement portion 15 to be in contact with
the eyeball 2. The engagement portion 15 shapes its outer surface
and the concave surface side 7 into a concave configuration in
accordance with the outer surface of the eyeball 2.
[0072] In the ophthalmic laser treatment device 1, an inner portion
of the lens 3 is hollowed out to form an inner passage 30. The
inner passage 30 has a columnar hollow chamber 31, an inlet passage
32 and an outlet passage 33. The hollow chamber 31 is provided in
the middle of the lens 3. The inlet passage 32, which is provided
in the jowl side, is in communication with the hollow chamber 31.
The outlet passage 33, which is provided in the parietal side, is
in communication with the hollow chamber 31. At the side of the
jowl, the holder cylinder 10 defines the inlet hole 18, and forming
the outlet hole 19 at the parietal side of the subject patient. The
inlet hole 18 is in communication with the inlet passage 32, and
the outlet hole 19 is in communication with the outlet passage
33.
[0073] The tank supplies the fluid from the inlet hole 18 and
discharged out of the outlet hole 19 via the inlet pas sage 32, the
hollow chamber 31 and the outlet passage 33.
[0074] The ophthalmic laser treatment device 1 further has a
fluid-supply member and a control member which functionally
controls the fluid-supply member. The fluid-supply member works as
a pump which supplies the fluid from a tank via the inlet hole 18
to the refrigerator chamber 13. The tank is connected to the inlet
hole 18 as a fluid supply source. The control member employs a
computer as a well-known measure to functionally control the pump.
By adjusting a suction speed of the pump, it is possible to control
an amount of the fluid flowing to the refrigerator chamber 13. By
detecting the temperature of the fluid in the tank, and detecting
the temperature of the fluid exhausted from the outlet 19, it is
possible to adjust the fluid speed in accordance with the thermal
rise from the latter temperature to the former temperature.
[0075] The partition wall 5 is formed by a transparent material,
and located in registration with the lens 3 at the opposite side of
the eyeball 2. The partition wall 5 is hermetically fixed to an
inner side of the cylindrical portion 11. The partition wall 5 has
two vitreous plates (first head wall 5a and second head wall 5b)
located in parallel.
[0076] The first head wall 5a forms a first space 5c together with
the lens 3, and the second head wall 5 forms a second space 5d
together with the first head wall 5a.
Therapeutical Method According to the First Embodiment of the
Invention
[0077] Upon performing the iridoctomy by the ophthalmic laser
treatment device 1, the laser beams are applied to the lens 3 with
the lens 3 and the concave surface side 7 placed on the eyeball 2,
the lens enables an operator to bring the laser beams into focus on
the iris.
[0078] The focused laser beams increase an optical energy density
so as to perforate the iris. While applying the laser beams to the
lens 3, the fluid (e.g., cooled water) is supplied intermittently
through the inlet hole 18. The lens 3 introduces the laser beams
through the fluid into the eyeball 2. The fluid flows along the
inner passage 30 and deprives the heat of the inner passage 30 to
cool the lens 3. The cooled lens 3 deprives the heat of the eyeball
2 so as to perform the laser treatment while cooling the eyeball
2.
[0079] In accordance with the heat generation on the eyeball 2 due
to the laser beams, the control member adjusts to increase the
suction speed of the pump 21 which supplies the fluid to the
refrigerator chamber 13, thus increasing the amount of the fluid
flowing to the refrigerator chamber 13, so as to therapeutically
perform the laser treatment while cooling the eyeball 2.
Advantages Derived from the First Embodiment of the Invention
[0080] In the ophthalmic laser treatment device 1, with the inner
passage 30 defined hollow in the inner portion of the lens 3, the
operator enables the fluid to flow through the inner passage 30 to
cool the lens 3. The cooled lens 3 deprives the heat of the eyeball
2 to resultantly cool the eyeball 2.
[0081] This makes it possible to cool the eyeball 2 without making
the fluid in direct contact with eyeball 2. This enables the
operator to cool the eyeball 2 without being influenced by the
ingredients and streams of the fluid on the eyeball 2 upon
therapeutically performing the laser treatment.
[0082] With the eyeball 2 cooled while applying the laser beams to
the eyeball 2, it is possible to prevent the complication which
otherwise would be caused by the temperature rise of the eyeball 2
due to the laser beam application. The inner passage 30 enables the
operator to efficiently cool the lens 3 since the lens 3 permits
the fluid to flow through an interior of the lens 3.
[0083] The holder cylinder 10 has the outlet hole 19 at the
parietal side in the direction opposite to the gravitational
direction. If the fluid appears forms therein, the refrigerator
forming portion 14 collects the foams at the outlet hole 19 and
exhausts the foams out of the refrigerator chamber 13 without
retaining them in the fluid. With no foams retained in the fluid,
it is possible to perform the laser treatment without blocking the
laser beam path and the visual field of the operator.
[0084] By detecting the temperature of the fluid in the tank, and
detecting the temperature of the fluid exhausted from the outlet
19, it is possible to adjust the fluid speed by controlling the
suction speed of the pump based on the thermal rise from the latter
temperature to the former temperature. This makes it possible to
perform the laser treatment while keeping the eyeball 2 cooled
substantially at a constant temperature.
[0085] When the fluid is supplied to the refrigerator chamber 13,
the lens 3 reduces its temperature than the atmospheric
temperature. With the head walls 5a, 5b hermetically sealed within
the cylindrical portion 11 between the lens 3 and the laser
oscillator to form the first space 5c and the second space 5d, it
is possible for the spaces 5c, 5d to enhance an adiabatic effect so
as to prevent the dew condensation on the lens 3, thus preventing
the laser beam path and the visual field from being blocked on the
lens 3. It is to be noted that one of the head walls 5a, 5b may be
omitted upon effectuating the adiabatic effect. By making the
spaces 5c, 5d vacuous, it is possible to increasingly improve the
adiabatic effect. The transparent partition wall 5 prevents the
laser beam path and the visual field from being blocked on the lens
3.
Modification Form of the First Embodiment of the Invention
[0086] In the modification form of the first embodiment of the
invention as shown in FIG. 2, a lower side of the convex portion 9
of the lens 3 has a convex surface 9a projected into the hollow
chamber 31 to form a convexo-convex lens. Instead of the columnar
hollow chamber 31, an annular hollow chamber may be provided as
shown in FIG. 3. Instead of hollowing out the inner portion of the
lens 3 upon forming the hollow chamber 31, two dish-shaped
transparent members may be joined in a face-to-face fashion to
define the hollow chamber 31 inside the joined dish-like
members.
[0087] It is to be noted that the fluid is permeable to the laser
beams in the first embodiment of the invention, however, the fluid
may be impermeable to the laser beams when the inner passage 30 is
provided out of a permeative path of the laser beams.
Second Embodiment of the Invention
Structure of Second Embodiment
[0088] FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of the invention which
mainly describes the structure other than the first embodiment of
the invention. The contact condition between the eyeball 2 and the
lens 3 in the second embodiment of the invention, is substantially
identical to the contact condition in the first embodiment of the
invention.
[0089] In the second embodiment of the invention, an outer side
passage 40 is provided to flow the fluid along an outer
circumference of the lens 3.
[0090] Along an entire length of the outer circumference of the
lens 3, a circumferential groove 41 is provided. By liquid-tightly
covering the circumferential groove 41 by the inner surface of the
holder cylinder 10, the outer side passage 40 is defined at the
outer circumference of the lens 3. The holder cylinder 10 provides
the inlet hole 18 and the outlet hole 19. The inlet hole 18 permits
the entrance of the fluid, and the outlet hole 19 permits the
exhaust of the fluid.
Therapeutical Method According to the Second Embodiment of the
Invention
[0091] With the lens 3 placed on the eyeball 2, the laser beams are
released against the lens 3. During the release of the laser beams,
the tank intermittently supplies the fluid to the outer side
passage 40 through the inlet hole 18, thus making the fluid flow
along the outer side passage 40 to deprive the heat of the lens 3
to cool the lens 3. The cooled lens 3 deprives the heat of the
eyeball 2 during the release of the laser beams, so as to perform
the laser treatment while cooling the eyeball 2.
Advantages Derived from the Second Embodiment of the Invention
[0092] In the ophthalmic laser treatment device 1 according to the
second embodiment of the invention, the outer side passage 40
enables the operator to flow the fluid to cool the lens 3 without
using a highly technical procedure of hollowing out the inner
portion of the lens 3.
[0093] With the eyeball 2 cooled while applying the laser beams to
the eyeball 2, it is possible to prevent the complication which
would be otherwise caused by the temperature rise of the eyeball 2
due to the laser beam application. When highly intensified laser
beams are employed to enhance therapeutical effects, the fluid flow
enables the operator to cool the lens 3 so as to avoid the
complication.
[0094] As a modification form of the second embodiment of the
invention, instead of providing the circumferential groove 41 on
the outer periphery of the lens 3, a concave groove may be formed
on an inner surface of the holder cylinder 10 in the
circumferential direction to define the outer side passage 40.
Otherwise, instead of the holder cylinder 10, an annular pipe may
be provided to flow the fluid therethrough so as to define the
outer side passage 40. As an alternative, a discrete member may be
added around the holder cylinder 10 to provide the outer side
passage 40 on an outer surface of the holder cylinder 10.
Third Embodiment of the Invention
[0095] FIG. 5 shows a third embodiment of the invention in which
the ophthalmic laser treatment device 1 is applied to the eyeball
2. In FIG. 5 which is a schematic view of the ophthalmic laser
treatment device 1, the light-permeable member is a refrigerant
vessel 51, an inner portion of which is defined as a flow passage
50. The refrigerant vessel 51 is placed between the lens 3 and the
eyeball 2. The lens 3 acts as a focusing member which refracts the
laser beams incident on the refrigerant vessel 51 to bring the
laser beams into focus on any location of the eyeball 2.
[0096] The refrigerant vessel 51 is formed by a transparent
light-permeable material. The refrigerant vessel 51 has an ocular
contact side shaped into a concave configuration to correspond to
an outer surface of the eyeball 2. The refrigerant vessel 51 has a
lens contact side shaped into a convex configuration to correspond
to the concave surface side 7 of the lens 3.
[0097] The refrigerant vessel 51 is detachably mounted on the lens
3 and the holder cylinder 10. Because the refrigerant vessel 51 is
detachably arranged, it becomes possible to throw away the
refrigerant vessel 51 each time after it is used once or several
times, thus securing a good maintenance, high quality and
sanitation preferable as a medical apparatus.
Fourth Embodiment of the Invention
Structure of Fourth Embodiment
[0098] FIG. 9 shows a fourth embodiment of the invention in which
the ophthalmic laser treatment device 1 is applied to the eyeball
2. In FIG. 6, the up-to-down line from top to bottom accords to the
gravitational direction, and the left side of the drawing is where
the laser oscillator is located. The right side of the drawing is
where the eyeball resides, the upper side is the parietal side and
the lower side is the maxillary side.
[0099] In the sixth embodiment of the invention, the ophthalmic
laser treatment device 1 has the lens 3, the lens holder 4 and the
transparent partition 5 which forms the hermetical space in
cooperation with the lens 3. The ophthalmic laser treatment device
1 has a cornea-contact wall 61 between the lens 3 and the eyeball 2
to provide a flow passage 60. The cornea-contact wall 61 serves as
the light-permeable member which is in contact with the eyeball 2
to lead the laser beams to the eyeball 2. The lens 3 acts as a
transparent body which forms a flow passage 60 between the lens 3
and the cornea-contact wall 61. The lens 3 is also a focusing
member which refracts the laser beams incident on the
cornea-contact wall 61 to bring the laser beams into focus on any
location of the eyeball 2.
[0100] According to the lens holder 4 of the fourth embodiment of
the invention, there is fixedly provided the lens 3 at the inner
surface of the holder cylinder 10. A fluid-passage forming portion
62 is provided as a spacer at an intermediary portion nearer to the
eyeball 2 than the concave surface side 7 between the lens 3 and
the cornea-contact wall 61 to define the flow passage 60.
[0101] In order to supply the fluid to the flow passage 60, the
fluid-passage forming portion 62 defines the inlet hole 18 at the
side of the jowl, and forming the outlet hole 19 at the parietal
side.
[0102] The lens holder 4 is open at an ocular portion in which the
fluid-passage forming portion 62 opposes the eyeball 2. The
fluid-passage forming portion 62 is shaped into a skirt-like
configuration at an open end which opposes the eyeball 2, and
having the engagement portion 15 which is placed in contact with
the eyeball 2 when in use.
[0103] The cornea-contact wall 61 is liquid-tightly fixed to an
inner surface of the fluid-passage forming portion 62 at the side
of the eyeball 2 to be in contact with the eyeball 2. The
cornea-contact wall 61 is formed by an elastic film (e.g., polymer
film) of flexibility.
[0104] The partition wall 5 is formed by a transparent material,
and located in registration with the lens 3 at the opposite side of
the eyeball 2. The partition wall 5 is hermetically fixed to an
inner side of the cylindrical portion 11.
[0105] The partition wall 5 has two vitreous plates (first head
wall 5a and second head wall 5b) located in parallel. The first
head wall 5a forms a first space 5c in cooperation with the lens 3,
and the second head wall 5 forms a second space 5d in cooperation
with the first head wall 5a.
[0106] The ophthalmic laser treatment device 1 further has the
fluid-supply member, a fluid-cooling member and a control member
which controls the fluid-supply member and the fluid-cooling
member. The fluid-cooling member works as a refrigerant device 65
which is placed in the tank 20 to fall the fluid temperature in the
tank 20.
[0107] The fluid-supply member works as a pump 21 to supply the
fluid from the tank 20 via the inlet hole 18 to the flow passage
60. The tank 20 is connected to the inlet hole 18. The control
member employs the computer 22 as a well-known measure to control
the pump 21 and the refrigerant device 65.
[0108] By adjusting a suction speed of the pump 21, it is possible
to control an amount of the fluid running through the flow passage
60 so as to adjust an inner pressure of the flow passage 60.
Because the cornea-contact wall 61 is the elastic film, the inner
pressure of the flow passage 60 deforms the cornea-contact wall 61
at a certain curvature. A constant inner pressure of the flow
passage 60 maintains the cornea-contact wall 61 at the
predetermined curvature. By calculating a relationship between the
inner pressure of the flow passage 60 and the curvature of the
cornea-contact wall 61, it becomes possible to control the suction
speed of the pump 21 to change the inner pressure so that the
cornea-contact wall 61 is adjusted at the curvature suited to the
curvature of the eyeball 2. The temperature of the fluid cooled by
the refrigerant device 65 is controlled with the temperature of the
fluid exhausted from the outlet hole 19 as a target
temperature.
Therapeutical Method According to the Fourth Embodiment of the
Invention
[0109] Upon performing the laser treatment, the laser beams are
applied to the lens 3 with the cornea-contact wall 61 placed on the
eyeball 2 via an ophthalmic lubricant in contact with the eyeball
2. During the release of the laser beams, the pump 21 supplies the
fluid intermittently to the flow passage 60 so that the fluid flows
along the flow passage 60 to deprive the heat of the eyeball 2
through the cornea-contact wall 61. The control member adjusts the
suction speed of the pump 21 so that the flow passage 60 maintains
its inner pressure suited to the curvature of the eyeball 2.
[0110] The fluid in the refrigerant device 65 is controlled at its
temperature with the temperature of the fluid exhausted from the
outlet hole 19 as a target temperature, so as to perform the laser
treatment while cooling the eyeball 2.
Advantages Derived from the Fourth Embodiment of the Invention
[0111] With the ophthalmic laser treatment device 1 running the
fluid along the flow passage 60, the fluid deprives the heat of the
eyeball 2 through the cornea-contact wall 61 so as to cool the
eyeball 2 without making the fluid contact with the eyeball 2. This
enables the operator to perform the laser treatment while cooling
the eyeball 2 without considering an influence of the ingredients
and streams of the fluid against the eyeball 2.
[0112] The control member adjusts the suction speed of the pump 21
so that the flow passage 60 maintains its inner pressure required
for the cornea-contact wall 61 to represent the curvature suited to
the curvature of the eyeball 2.
[0113] This enables the operator to fit the cornea-contact wall 61
snugly to the outer surface of the eyeball 2 without imposing an
improper burden on the eyeball 2.
Fifth Embodiment of the Invention
[0114] FIG. 7 shows a fifth embodiment of the invention in which
the fluid-passage forming portion 62 is discrete.
[0115] The cornea-contact wall 61 is secured to an open end of the
fluid-passage forming portion 62 in the proximity of the eyeball 2.
The fluid-passage forming portion 62 is detachably mounted on the
lens 3 and the lens holder 4.
[0116] Because the fluid-passage forming portion 62 is detachably
arranged, it becomes possible to throw away the fluid-passage
forming portion 62 each time after it is used once or several
times, thus securing a good maintenance, high quality and
sanitation preferable as a medical apparatus.
[0117] It is also possible to attach the spacer and the
light-permeable member in various purposes to an existing ocular
lens which is presently used widely to the ophthalmic laser
treatment field.
Sixth Embodiment of the Invention
Structure of Sixth Embodiment
[0118] FIG. 8 shows a sixth embodiment of the invention in which
the contact condition between the eyeball 2 and the lens 2 is
generally identical to the contact condition as described in the
first embodiment of the invention (FIG. 1).
[0119] In the sixth embodiment of the invention, the ophthalmic
laser treatment device 1 has the lens 3 and the lens holder 4 which
supports the lens 3. The partition wall 5 is provided which forms
the hermetical space together with the lens 3. The lens 3 acts as
the light-permeable member which is in contact with the eyeball 2
to introduce the laser beams to the eyeball 2.
[0120] As the same manner in the first embodiment of the invention,
the lens 3 makes its concave surface side 7 bring into contact with
the eyeball 2.
[0121] A peripheral open end of the holder cylinder 10 defines the
engagement portion 15 at the side of the eyeball 2. The engagement
portion 15 shapes its outer surface and the concave surface side 7
into the concave configuration in accordance with the outer surface
of the eyeball 2.
[0122] In the ophthalmic laser treatment device 1 according to the
sixth embodiment of the invention, there is provided a Peltier's
coupler 80 attached to the lens 3. To the Peltier's coupler 80, a
controller 81 is connected. To the controller 81, a thermal sensor
82 is provided which is attached to the lens 3. The Peltier's
coupler 80 is a semi-conductor device which enables the operator to
cool, heat and thermally control the lens 3 when the Peltier's
coupler 80 is energized by the direct current. Upon energizing the
Peltier's coupler 80 through a power source 83, the Peltier's
coupler 80 produces a thermal difference between the two sides. The
Peltier's coupler 80 absorbs the heat at a lower temperature side
(refrigerant side 80a) and generates the heat at a higher
temperature side (heat-radiant side 80b). The lower temperature
side pushes up the heat toward the higher temperature side.
[0123] An outer periphery side of the lens 3 has two recessed
portions 84 in which the Peltier's coupler 80 is placed. The
Peltier's coupler 80 makes the refrigerant side 80a face the lens
3, and makes the heat-radiant side 80b face the inner surface of
the holder cylinder 10.
[0124] The control member controls a polarity, an intensity of the
direct current and an on-off switch of the Peltier's coupler 80
with the temperature detected by the thermal sensor 82 as a target
temperature. This enables the operator to control a heat-absorbent
amount of the Peltier's coupler 80 so as to adjust the temperature
of the lens 3.
Therapeutical Method According to the Sixth Embodiment of the
Invention
[0125] With the lens 3 placed on the eyeball 2, the laser beams are
released against the lens 3. During the release of the laser beams,
the Peltier's coupler 80 is energized so that the refrigerant side
80a absorbs the heat from the lens 3 to cool the lens 3. The cooled
lens 3 deprives the heat of the eyeball 2 during the release of the
laser beams, so as to perform the laser treatment while cooling the
eyeball 2.
Advantages Derived from the Sixth Embodiment of the Invention
[0126] In the ophthalmic laser treatment device 1 according to the
sixth embodiment of the invention, the Peltier's coupler 80 enables
the operator to cool the lens 3 with the refrigerant side 80a
placed to face the lens 3. The eyeball 2 loses the heat through the
cooled lens 3 placed in contact with the eyeball 2.
[0127] With the eyeball 2 cooled while applying the laser beams to
the eyeball 2, it is possible to prevent the complication which
would be otherwise caused by the temperature rise of the eyeball 2
due to the laser beam application. When highly intensified laser
beams are employed to enhance therapeutical effects, the
refrigerant side 80a enables the operator to cool the lens 3 so as
to avoid the complication.
[0128] With the use of the Peltier's coupler 80 as the refrigerant
device, it is possible to secure a quick response to the
temperature change so as to instantly cool the lens 3. The
Peltier's coupler 80 makes the lens 3 immune to vibrations at the
time of performing the laser treatment, as opposed to the case in
which the fluid is used upon cooling the lens 3. The Peltier's
coupler 80 has the quick response to the temperature change so as
to perform the temperature control with a high precision.
[0129] In the sixth embodiment of the invention, the holder
cylinder 10 may be shaped into a fin-like configuration to release
the heat transmitted from the heat-radiant side 80b of the
Peltier's coupler 80. As an alternative, a plurality of ventilation
holes may be formed on the holder cylinder 10 to release the heat.
The on-off switch may be operated manually without using the
thermal sensor 80 and the controller 81. As a modification form of
the eighth embodiment of the invention, the Peltier's coupler 80
may be placed outside the holder cylinder 10 with the refrigerant
side 80a facing an outer surface of the holder cylinder 10.
Seventh Embodiment of the Invention
Structure of Seventh Embodiment
[0130] FIG. 9 shows a seventh embodiment of the invention in which
the contact condition between the eyeball 2 and the lens 2 is
generally identical to the contact condition as described in the
first embodiment of the invention (FIG. 1). Described herein are
mainly members other than the those of the sixth embodiment of the
invention.
[0131] In the seventh embodiment of the invention, the ophthalmic
laser treatment device 1 has the lens 3, an inner portion of which
is hollowed out to form a reservoir 90 on the lens 3. An outer
periphery of the lens 3 has a side opening 91, through which the
fluid is supplied to the reservoir 90. The reservoir 90 retains the
fluid by plugging side opening 91 with a rubber plug 92 so as to
provide a hermetical space within the reservoir 90.
[0132] The Peltier's coupler 80 is mounted on the lens 3 with the
refrigerant side 80a in contact with the fluid so as to cool the
fluid in the reservoir 90. The Peltier's coupler 80 is placed at
three locations with the circumferential intervals as 90 degrees as
shown in FIG. 9(b).
Therapeutical Method According to the Seventh Embodiment of the
Invention
[0133] With the lens 3 placed on the eyeball 2, the laser beams are
released against the lens 3. During the release of the laser beams,
the Peltier's coupler 80 is energized so that the refrigerant side
80a absorbs the heat from the fluid to cool the fluid. The cooled
fluid deprives the heat of the fluid to cool the lens 3. The cooled
lens 3 deprives the heat of the eyeball 2 during the release of the
laser beams, so as to perform the laser treatment while cooling the
eyeball 2. Upon supplying the fluid to the reservoir 90, the rubber
plug 92 may be unplugged, or a syringe needle may be used to pierce
the rubber plug 92 inside the reservoir 90.
Advantages Derived from the Seventh Embodiment of the Invention
[0134] In the ophthalmic laser treatment device 1 according to the
seventh embodiment of the invention, the Peltier's coupler 80
enables the operator to cool the fluid within the reservoir 90 so
as to deprive the heat of the lens 3. That is to say, the eyeball 2
loses the heat through the cooled lens 3 placed in contact with the
fluid.
[0135] With the eyeball 2 cooled while applying the laser beams to
the eyeball 2, it is possible to prevent the complication which
would be otherwise caused by the temperature rise of the eyeball 2
due to the laser beam application. When highly intensified laser
beams are employed to enhance therapeutical effects, the
refrigerant side 80a enables the operator to cool the lens 3 so as
to avoid the complication.
[0136] With the reservoir 90 provided in the inner portion of the
lens 3, and the fluid cooled from within by the Peltier's coupler
80, the fluid enables the operator to efficiently cool the lens
3.
[0137] Such is the structure that the fluid is cooled within the
lens 3, not outside the ophthalmic laser treatment device 1. This
makes a therapeutical preparation ready by supplying the fluid to
the reservoir 90 and energizing the on-off switch prior to using
the ophthalmic laser treatment device 1. The facile preparation
enables the operator to easily use the ophthalmic laser treatment
device 1.
[0138] Instead of the structure that the Peltier's coupler 80 sets
the refrigerant side 80a in contact with the fluid in the reservoir
90, the refrigerant side 80a may placed on an outer surface of the
lens 3, by way of illustration, without making the refrigerant side
80 contact directly with the fluid, so long as the Peltier's
coupler 80 can cool the fluid via the refrigerant side 80a.
Modification Forms
[0139] As a modification form of the ninth embodiment of the
invention, instead of using the control member (computer 22)
including the pump 21 and the refrigerant device 65, the suction
speed and the fluid temperature may be manually adjusted. A valve
may be provided between the tank 20 and the inlet hole 18 (or
between the outlet hole 19 and the pump 21) so as to adjust the
fluid flow by controlling the opening degree of the valve.
[0140] The fluid source may be an intravenous drip sack containing
ice and liquid. As the fluid-supply member, a siphon may be used to
supply the fluid to the inner fluid passage 30, the outer side
fluid passage 40 and the flow passages 50, 60.
[0141] The lens 3 (first embodiment), the refrigerant vessel 51
(fifth embodiment) and cornea-contact wall 61 (sixth embodiment)
are in the shape of blind surface, however, these members may be
partly perforated.
[0142] The Peltier's coupler may be incorporated into the
ophthalmic laser treatment device 1 from the first to fifth
embodiment of the invention.
[0143] The light-permeable member requires to permeate the light
with the light-permeable member in contact with the eyeball 2 even
if it has not a refractive property to collect the laser beams.
Because the laser oscillator converges the laser beams to one
point, the light-permeable member is not necessarily required to
collect the laser beams. As the focusing member, a mirror-reflector
device may be provided on the laser-incident side of the
light-permeable member when the light-permeable member has not the
refractive property. The mirror-reflector device brings the
reflective laser beams into focus on any location of the eyeball
2.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0144] The ophthalmic laser treatment device 1 is useful upon
performing the ophthalmic laser treatment in which the laser beams
are therapeutically applied to the eyeball.
* * * * *